Trail-Gazette intern looks forward to learning in new community

There is a new intern at the Estes Park Trail Gazette, and the California native is looking forward to getting to know the community and tell its stories.

Nic Wackerly, 25, was born and raised in Altadena, California, which is at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and 15 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

Most of his youth was spent playing travel hockey for various teams across Southern California.

"My family is from Michigan and I grew up watching hockey and was always a fan of the sport," Wackerly said.

During half of his senior year of high school, Wackerly left home to go play hockey in Helena, Montana for an under-20 team in the Northern Pacific Hockey League staying with a host families throughout his time playing hockey.

Nic Wackerly, 25, joined the Trail-Gazette team this summer for a three month internship. (Zach Clemens / Estes Park Trail-Gazette)

Wackerly stayed in Montana after high school graduation, working and playing the sport he loved.

After his final season in Billings, he was recruited to play NCAA division three hockey for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

"I knew I wasn't going to play professional hockey," Wackerly said. "But I knew I wanted to play as long as possible and playing college hockey I could get an education too."

He stayed at UMASS Dartmouth for two years before transferring to Iowa State University. It was at Iowa State where Wackerly switched majors to journalism and spent a year working for the school paper.

"I hope to learn as much as possible and get to know a new part of the country and a new community that I have never been to before," Wackerly said.

If he is not writing, reading or listening to podcasts Wackerly will usually be found watching sports. He loves all Detroit teams (Red Wings, Lions, Tigers, Pistons) and is an avid fan of Formula 1. When he has free time he enjoys visiting his girlfriend, Marissa, and her four dogs in Billings.

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